Rapid posts! Gotta love it! Sorry this chapter is so dark. I'm absolutely horrible with my characters, I swear! Thanks to my friends and Blizz for their characters and world.

-Priest-

Saraphyn woke with the sudden shouts coming from the Vanguard soldiers above her. Gracefil was standing at the entrance to the tent, her head outside. She quickly pulled back inside. Her undead eyes said it all. The priestess shot out of bed and quickly wrapped herself up in her cloak. Both priests moved to where Celynar was held. Inside was Anni, Edin and Regintoko. The tauren stood guard by the door, not allowing the Argent healers inside. He ignored their shouts in Common. With a snort, the priests hurried inside with his permission. Anni was holding some cloth to the rogue's chest. It looked as if it was ripped from her own shirt. Her face was downcast and Saraphyn could swear there could have been a few dried tears. Edin stood nearby, his training as a paladin in life being used to make sure Celynar stayed calm and breathing. He looked up at Saraphyn.

"He is cut bad, lass."
Saraphyn moved over to him as he writhed. She put a hand to Celynar's forehead. "I will see what I can do." She looked over at Regin. "Please keep them out."
The bull nodded and pushed back at some larger soldiers.
"Sara?" Celynar weakly said, his eyes half lidded.
"Shh. I'm here."
"Laeth, h-he..."
Saraphyn looked at Anni. "I have to see," she said quietly.

His wound hit her by surprise. It was deep. Saraphyn gasped. Her fingers lightly touched the edge of the cut. When Celynar winced, she pulled back her hand. He was nearly cut from side to side. The deepest of his runes nearly sliced in two. Half of it glowed a bright blue while the rest remained dormant. Saraphyn bit back some tears as she returned her gaze to the Quel'dorei.

"It's going to hurt, but I have to get the edges as close together as I can."
Celynar nodded.
"Master Edin, could you please hold his arms?"
"Aye."
Saraphyn looked at Anni. "Hold his legs?"

The death knight said nothing, but did as asked. Her eyes stayed on Celynar. Taking a deep breath, Saraphyn began chanting to the Light. Her fingers slowly pinched his flesh together. Celynar winced and strained to keep from moving. The pain was clearly great. Saraphyn moved as fast as she could through his blood pooling from the diminishing wound. The rune, though, did not heal as she thought it would. It also caused Celynar the most pain when she tried to do so. A panic rose in her. Tried and tried she did, but the wound would not finish closing.

"I can't heal this," she said finally. "I can't get it to stop bleeding. It won't stop."
Gracefil was now beside her. "Perhaps this is what we needed to see."
"What?"
"Regin, will you hold Sara?"

Saraphyn was about to protest before the tauren wrapped his large arms around her, pulling the blood elf from Celynar. Gracefil shifted, a dagger now in hand. She straddled his body. Her eyes stared at the wound. The dagger lowered.

"What are you doing?!" Saraphyn shouted. "Gracefil, get off him!"
"This is the only way," she muttered. "Edin and Anni know this."
Edin nodded.
"He will die if we don't cut it out of his chest."
"Gracefil, no!"

Saraphyn's last cry held nothing to the screams of the high elf as Gracefil began to slice the rune from his pale skin. The priestess struggled in tauren arms. She had to stop this. He was going to die. Edin held onto Celynar's arms tightly. Anni found more difficulty holding down his trembling legs. Her eyes tightly closed, she looked away as if trying to drown out the sound her once lost son made. Gracefil cut off some of the tainted flesh, throwing it to the side. It disappeared into nothing from the dark magic that made it. Blood poured from the wound. It was getting harder to see how deep the rune reached into him. The undead priest had to just guess as her blade began cutting again. Celynar let loose a blood curdling scream that pierced the night.

Aedina soon appeared, Zaxxii and Jah behind her. The three looked on in shock of what Gracefil was doing. The shadow priest cared little for the looks she was getting. It was the only way to save him. Another cut and the glowing part of the rune was gone leaving nothing but blood. She quickly made work of the dead part of the rune. Bloody hands reached into a pouch to her side. Needle and thread in hand, she began to sew his wound close. Celynar's squirming had finally stopped along with his screaming. He now lied motionless. His breathing labored. Saraphyn did not stop though. Regintoko's arms were too strong for her. She kicked at anything to get free.

"Celynar!" she yelled out, trying to get his attention. "Celynar, stay awake!"

Then, Gracefil was done. She ripped some of her own robe and began to wrap it around Celynar with Edin's help. He had lost a lot of blood and only healing could keep him from dying now. Once standing, Regintoko let go of Saraphyn. She quickly moved to the rogue.

"Celynar!" Her eyes were filled with tears. "Celynar, don't die!"

Healing energies flew through her, her hands pressed against his chest. She cast every spell, every cleanse. His breathing slowed again. Panic rose higher. Using a Greater Heal, her body shook in its fear. She did not feel the gentle hand on her shoulder before Lucien dropped next to the high elf. His face was twisted in different emotions, but the bright, golden glow from his hands let Saraphyn know he was healing the rogue. After a few minutes, Celynar's blue eyes open. He took a deep gasp of air, followed by another and another. Saraphyn trembled as she cried. Her joy caused her to touch Lucien's shoulder gently.

"You saved him," she whispered.
He turned to look at her. "Anything for you."
"Thank you."

Lucien nodded as he slowly backed away. Saraphyn placed a bloody hand on Celynar's cheek. He looked at her for a second before his blood loss took him into unconsciousness. Edin started shouting orders in Common. A few larger soldiers came into the room. They took him out of his chains. Anni and Edin backed away. Lucien gently helped Saraphyn to her feet as the soldiers picked Celynar up slowly.

"Where are you taking him?" she asked.
"There is a bed in the next room over. We were goin' to move him at first light, but it seems the day couldn't wait for us."
"I will see to him through the night," Lucien said. "He is going to need powerful heals for a while."

Saraphyn felt him squeeze her shoulder lightly. She placed a bloody hand over his. Any doubts she held about the High Priest vanished with his words. Perhaps there was still good within her people. Maybe compassion wasn't far from their grasp. Though, the voice in the back of her mind was shouting that it was only because of her. He was doing this because of her. Her attention snapped back when she saw Anni follow them quickly. She said nothing. Aedina moved to her sister.

"What happened?!" she demanded, anger in her features.
"I-I don't..."
"He said somethin' about his brother," Edin spoke up. "The wound looks like one from a dagger. There was also this on the ground beside him."

Edin held up an empty vial. Zaxxii bounded into the room and snagged it. She scrunched up her nose before leaving without a word. Jah lingered near Regintoko.

"If Laethynar was indeed here and did this, it's clear neither Celynar nor Saraphyn may be left alone," said Aedina. "Jah, I'd like you to stay near Celynar. I'm sure you, Grave and Anni could split watching duty."
"What about me?" asked Regintoko.
Aedina looked from Gracefil to him. "I need you to watch my sister."
"Aedina, I-"
"She underestimates the situation and will be in more danger if she does not have better protection," the older sister said louder.

Saraphyn said nothing. Anger rose in her. Why was Aedina treating her like a child? Lucien put his hands on Saraphyn's arms. He spoke to Aedina, but Saraphyn didn't care what anyone had to say now. She looked past the group into the dim light of the next room. Anni was covering Celynar's body with a thick fur. She pulled a chair up next to him before her head sunk into her hands. For a second she thought the death knight was crying. Could they even cry? Regin had moved to block her view. The tauren raised her chin to look up into his brown eyes.

"It would be this tauren's honor to protect the Lady Sunhaven," he said. "I think it is time to rest now, young priestess."

She just nodded. Gracefil moved beside her. It may be a while before she would speak to the undead. The priestess knew she meant only the best and what she did was probably the right thing to do. Yet, she could still hear Celynar's screams. They would haunt her dreams for the night.

-Death Knight-

The night proved long. Lucien, true to his word, stayed nearby. He checked the wound cautiously and redressed it through the night as it bled through every bandage. Eventually with the help of his heals and time, no more blood came through. Celynar was still pale with blood loss, but his breathing and heart beat went back to normal. At first light, Lucien made his leave. This left Anni to deal with her thoughts alone. Her eyes stared at the high elf. He looked so much like her dear Anthrynar. She almost forgot about it. Celynar was always kind and gentle. Even as a child, Anni never had to worry about him being in trouble. It was her older son she worried about.

Laethynar held no care for rules. He thrived for danger and chaos. Deep inside, Anni knew something like this would happen one day. She just didn't think that destiny would push her sons to this extent. The former ranger in life never thought that her youngest son would suffer at the hands of her oldest. In some way, she felt as if it was her fault. Her fault from dying at the second gate. Her fault for maybe not showing Laethynar more understanding. Perhaps she showed Celynar more love then she should have. Her face twisted in self hatred and pain. She did this to her sons. Instead of innocent children, she would have to watch as they sentenced her older son to death.

"It's not your fault."
Anni didn't hear Grave enter the room. "How do you know?"

The orc shrugged. She looked at the pale elf before her. It was almost tragedy how this was coming out. Annihilator Deathblade, no, Anilara Dawnblade, had to sit and watch her oldest son become corrupted with power by the very death knight she once worked with under the control of the Lich King. Grave was sure her companion did more then just worked for Wintersteele. Both of their fighting prowess attracted each of their attentions. When Anni saved her from the hands of a Scarlet Crusader, Grave vowed to never let another man, woman or beast harm the blood elf. Though, she would be a high elf now, wouldn't she? The orc shifted.

"His brother is sick. I fear he may be more lost to us then Celynar though."
"Don't say that."
"I speak the truth, Deathblade. You will have to take his life. I cannot be the one to do it for you. Not this time."

Anni stood up. Her eyes burned into Grave's. She didn't understand why she was so irrationally angry. Most of her knew that the orc was right. It was logical. It would have to be done. If not by Celynar, by her. She gave birth to that abomination. Even in undeath, it would be her duty to end his terror. Yet, he was her son. She birthed him. She raised him. She cherished him. All she could see was a bright eyed, mischievous child running through the central room of her home trying to get away from his father. Anni sighed.

"You're right. He will have to die."
Grave nodded.
"My dearest friend, promise me you will take it upon yourself to watch out for my son." Anni looked at the sleeping Celynar. "He needs it now just as Saraphyn does."

The orc saluted, bowing her head in respect to the blood elf.

-Paladin-

"I don't know who's in more danger, your sister or the Quel'dorei."

Aedina sat near a fire with Jah, Zaxxii and Erogath. The paladins were deep in conversation while the other two looked about the empty vial. Zaxxii did most of the talking, of course, while Erogath made notes. The two were working on the remaining contents of the vial, making sure to note what they thought they smelled or tasted.

"This move on Celynar means they are desperate. I have no doubt their next move will be on Saraphyn," Aedina said. "We have to be ready to leave if that is the case."
Jah nodded. "Should we at least get some supplies ready?"

The female paladin just shrugged. A couple gryphons caught her attention as they landed just next to the stable master. Two humans and a night elf dismounted. Jah followed Aedina's gaze and stood. His movement made the other two look up from where they were sitting. Zaxxii quickly jumped onto Jah's back and looked over. Her face twisted into many different emotions before finally settling on annoyance. She flicked Jah's ear before bouncing down.

"Ow!"
"Stupid Alliance!" Zaxxii said.
"They're going to get a nasty surprise when they find out Celynar's under Tirion's protection," Aedina said, still sitting down. "I just hope they don't decide to leave someone behind to watch him."
"I wouldn't be shocked if they did," Jah added. "Should we go investigate?"
Aedina shook her head. "No point, really. We should gather some supplies."

With that, the two paladins did just that.

-Priest-

Saraphyn woke up groggy. She barely slept. Today was supposed to be her first day training with Lord Lucien and Cystenian. The events last night probably postponed such event. Either way, she would head over to where they were going to meet. Her green eyes soon locked with Gracefil's. The shadow priest was fidgeting with what seemed to be some human skulls. Saraphyn wasn't too sure if she was grossed out or confused. She settled on not asking. Gracefil noticed her glance and covered them up quickly.

"One of your sister's companions is one of the Forsaken. I used to stitch together pieces from the dead to my people in order for us to continue our lives in undeath."
"Are you talking about Erogath?"
Gracefil nodded. "I think I have a replacement jaw for him if he wishes to gain a new one."
Saraphyn eyed her fellow priest curiously.
"You heal the living. I add body parts to the dead," the Forsaken said quickly. "It's nearly the same."

There was a small smile from Saraphyn. She brushed out her hair, pulling it up into a bun. Gracefil turned. There was a new dress for the priestess lying across the other cot. She quickly slipped it on, it's silky cloth warming her. The off white cloth fit her perfectly. Saraphyn's smile grew larger. Gracefil quickly handed her companion some of her armor. She easily slipped on her protective chest piece and shoulders. Gloves came next followed by boots. The reds of her Sin'dorei armor matched the beauty of her new dress. Her cloak, now cleaned by the shadow priest, was wrapped around her shoulders.

"You look beautiful, my Lady," Gracefil said.
"If you didn't make such beautiful clothing, Gracefil, I don't know how I would dress each day."
The undead smiled. "Not nearly as beautifully as you should."

Saraphyn blushed before heading out of the tent. She noticed Regintoko right away. The bull moved to her side. He said nothing. Only a snort. She took that as a good morning. Her hand touched his dark brown fur lightly in a reply. The two walked in quiet. At the meeting place, Cystenian stood waiting. His arms were folded across his chest. He looked annoyed. Saraphyn did not see Lord Lucien. She only assumed it meant he was resting. This worried her. Would she be expected to carry on with Atonement training without him there? The red haired priest turned to look at her. A scowl shaped his face.

"Lucien won't be joining us today. He had to heal that Quel'dorei all night."
Saraphyn nodded. "I know. I was there last night."
"He told me to continue on with your training anyway. So, hurry up and get ready, Sunhaven."

She looked at Regin for a second. The tauren's face did not look pleased. Then again, he never looked pleased. She placed a hand on his arm before handing him her cloak. A small smile lit her eyes. Regin had no choice but to return it. The priestess moved next to Cystenian. It was probably the closest she had been to him in a long while. His scowl never faded. Her eyes looked into his. There was hate. There was anger. She knew why. It wasn't easy for him to accept her denial in his proposal. He probably would never understand why either. She expected this to challenge him. Saraphyn would be shocked if she left without a mark or two. Cystenian was an amazing battle priest.

"The Light is just as good as a weapon as it is to save lives."
Saraphyn nodded.
"Just like a paladin that uses the Light to stun and destroy his enemies, we use the Light to smite our foes from a distance. Those of us that are very in tune with this form are even more accustomed to heal our allies as well."

He took a step back from her. With a quick twirl of his fingers, Saraphyn found herself surrounded by a Power Word: Shield. His eyes sparkled for a second before his attack hit. The shield only lessened the blow, but Saraphyn winced as the whip of light cut down at her shoulder. She strengthened herself with a Renew. Her eyes noticed a Shield appearing around Cystenian. His attack in turn protected him.

"Divine Aegis. It is much stronger then a Power Word: Shield. It also grows in strength with more attacks."

Saraphyn just listened. Even as Cystenian attacked her with more Smites, she listened to his words afterwards. She assumed he just meant to show her the spells. With Lucien around, he would probably be more apt to allowing her the privilege to attack him. After a few more Smites, he hit her with a Penance. The spell knocked her to her feet. Regin moved forward a couple of steps before noticing that she was just fine.

"Penance. Our most fierce attack, but also one of our greatest heals."
"It's strong," she said.
Cystenian nodded. "It's stronger when I am to harm instead of heal." He moved to her, holding out his hand. "I also did not expect it to knock you off your feet. For that, I am sorry."
"I'm fine," she said, taking his hand. "This was not the first time you knocked me over and it won't be the last."
He smiled for once, but that faded quickly. "That's enough for today. Lucien wants to continue in two days. He did not want to start today after what happened last night."
"It is probably best I learn now. Who knows what happens when the night is no longer quiet."
The priest nodded. "I agree. Maybe that is why I convinced him otherwise."
"I will see you in a few days then. Hopefully I get to attack this time," Saraphyn teased.
"We'll see," Cystenian replied curtly. "I doubt it, but we'll see."

The two bowed before heading off in different directions. Regin followed the priestess as she headed to where Celynar now rested. A yawn caught her by surprise. She would not allow herself rest until the rogue had awakened. Sure, death would not take the Quel'dorei now. It did not stop her resolve to make sure he healed fully. Two Argent guards sat on chairs in the hallway playing a dice game. They saluted the priestess. The dwarf paladin opened the door for her before speaking in Common to the his human counterpart. Once in the room, Grave grunted against the wall where she stood. No one else was inside there. Saraphyn liked it this way. Celynar was more apt to talk when they were almost alone. Regin picked a new spot to loom near the back wall. He folded his arms across his chest.

Celynar was still as pale as the White Lady. He slept peacefully. Saraphyn took this as a sign that his pain was now gone with the removal of the rune. Little breaths came out as small snores. She shifted the chair next to his bed. It creaked as she sat down in it. Celynar suddenly jolted. His eyes opened wide for a second, searching his surroundings before falling on the priestess. His lids drooped in exhaustion. She smiled at him. The rogue returned with a small smile before closing his eyes again. Her hand reached out for his. A weak grip enclosed around hers.

"Sara, I-"
"Shh. Rest, Celynar," she cooed. "You had a rough night."
Celynar swallowed and blinked slowly. "I feel no pain."
"We had to cut out the rune. The cut you received went through it."
"Oh."

Celynar did not seem to care much. He turned his head, noticing a little window. The sun shone through the clouds. He smiled a little. Saraphyn squeezed his hand lightly. Healing energies lightly went into the weakened high elf. Celynar was not out of danger. The risk of infection was still high despite Lucien's healing. Saraphyn would take it upon herself to make sure he healed well.

"Are you hungry?" she asked.
Celynar shook his head slowly. "I'm really tired."
"You should eat. You will need your strength to recover," Saraphyn pressed.

His eyes slowly closed. He turned his head and looked at the priestess through half lidded eyes. There would be no arguing with him. She felt guilty knowing he would not eat. Perhaps after some more sleep would he be more willing. Her eyes shifted emotions quickly when sorrow filled his eyes. With her free hand, Saraphyn placed it on his cheek. Her thumb lightly rubbed his skin. He was no longer clammy, but a cold sweat lingered. She cast a cleanse. Whatever small infection he had at the time quickly vanished. It would be a long day. Celynar looked at her one last time before he drifted off into a dreamless sleep.